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Sketches of Old Homes 
in Our Village 



By 
MRS. HOWES NORRIS 



SEA COAST DEFENCE CHAPTER, D. A. R. 
VINEYARD HAVEN, MASS. 



Vs 



Copyrighted, 1921 
SEA COAST DEFENCE CHAPTER. D. A. R. 



PUBLISHED BY 

GEORGE H. DEAN 
Boston, Mass. 

MAY 14 1921 
©CU614692 



SKETCHES OF OLD HOMES IN OUR VILLAGE 

By Mrs. Howes Norris 



Memory turns back to the times of long ago and the quaint 
old homes, the low-roofed houses with sanded kitchen floors 
and deep brick ovens that yield such delicious things to eat; 
the pantry door stands open and on the shelves are the pew- 
ter platters burnished like silver, the silver porringer which 
was brought out every night before retiring to warm the 
cofTee, handsome lustre pitchers and dainty bits of china. 

Grandfather sits by the wide fireplace reading his weekly 
newspaper, and peace and contentment pervade the old 
homes; there is no striving and reaching out for more and 
more, — but happiness and comfort. Then outside the 
homes, in the front yard are rows of hollyhocks under the 
window; the path to the front door is bordered with cinna- 
mon pinks — spicy and redolent; there are tall spikes of 
purple and white lady's slipper and big golden sunflowers 
nodding in a row, — and lovely chrysanthemums and de- 
liciously fragrant sweetbrier. 

I am going to tell you about some of these old homes of 
our village, and about their occupants. 

The first seven houses built in the village were: two at the 
Crossway — now demolished; the late Matthew Luce house, 
now owned by Mr. George A. Swain and occupied by Mrs. 
Johnson; the Great House; Mrs. Oliver's; Captain H. H. 
Bodfish's; Mr. R. W. Crocker's. 

The first house built on William Street in this place was 
that of Capt. Richard Luce in 1833, now the Bouvee resi- 
dence, — and Miss Bina Lambert's, Mr. Geo. H. Swain's 
and the late Dr. Wm. Leach's were erected three or four 
years later. 



At the north end of the village stands the house of Mrs. 
Molly Merry now owned by Mrs. A. B. Carey. "Aunt 
Molly" as she was called, was the daughter of Capt. Timothy 
Chase who fought in the war of the Revolution. She was 
twice married; her first husband's name was Ketchum, — 
he was not a Vineyard man and after a time he disappeared, 
never to return. 

Molly took a second spouse, Joseph Merry, who was a 
pilot, — and when he chanced to pilot some vessel. Aunt 
Molly would stock him up with plenty of stockings and 
mittens which she had knitted to sell. On one of these trips 
the vessel was lost with all on board and when the sad tidings 
were carried to her she exclaimed, "Oh dear, all those stock- 
ings and mittens gone!" 

She often loaned money at a large percentage but insisted 
that the returns be paid in hard money. One debtor paid 
her ten dollars in pennies. She kept her niece Rebecca busy 
making pudding bags and the girl would often say to her 
mother, "What does Aunt Molly do with so many pudding 
bags?" The use of the pudding bags was discovered when, 
after her death, about six thousand dollars in hard money 
was found secreted under the stairs. Some of the bags were 
so old that they dropped to pieces in handling, but the money 
was put into grain bags and taken to the bank in New 
Bedford. 

Aunt Molly obviously was penurious, — dressed poorly 
and held on to all she got, tho' once she did build a fence 
around the cemetery at the Crossway. When her niece 
Rebecca was about to begin housekeeping soon after her 
marriage, she presented her with a feather bed and coverlet 
and it was taken to her new home, but soon after, Aunt 
Molly sent for it. She thought she might need the bed and 
she "guessed Rebecca had better send it back" — and she did. 

She had often made promises of reward for the kind atten- 
tion her nieces had bestowed upon her. When she wanted 

2 



them, she would hang out her red cloak as a signal. This 
red cloak and hood was an inseparable part of Aunt Molly. 

During the war with England an English frigate came in 
the harbor and some of the marines stopped at her house. 
It was always believed that she was amply rewarded for her 
hospitality for she expressed no fear, but seemed perfectly 
satisfied. 

A portion of this house was moved from Chappaquan- 
sett, — it being the home of Mr. Grafton Luce's mother, 
Mrs. Rhoda Luce, who lived to be over one hundred years 
of age. Mr. Luce bought the property of Matthew Merry, 
who was Aunt Molly's legatee. General Carey bought the 
property of the heirs of Mr. Luce, and made additions and 
improvements. The house must be nearly two hundred 
years old. 

The old mill that stood back on the hill was purchased and 
attached to the house and the huge stones that ground the 
corn serve as doorsteps. This mill was built over one hun- 
dred years ago and stood on the back part of the land now 
owned by Mrs. Bouvee, very near Spring Street. Mr. Loth- 
rop Merry was the builder. It was twice moved, the 
owner being Mr. Tristram Luce, and it stood on "Mill Hill" 
until purchased by General Carey. These mills were usually 
erected on high land to get the wind which was the power 
used for grinding. 

The delightfully situated house of Mr. Rudolphus Crocker, 
was doubtless built by Abraham Chase, Jr., though it might 
have been the home of his father, who, in his will speaks of 
his new "homestead" which is now called the "Great House." 

In a will dated 1760 he gives to his grandsons, Benjamin 
and Timothy a certain tract of land . . . and their mother 
shall have the use . . . but by the conditions of this will of 
1760, the homestead shall be inherited by a male descendant 
of Abraham Chase, this being the old English custom. 



In 1761 record was made of the only child of Benjaniin 
Chase being a daughter; and in 1768, as shown by a deed, 
Timothy Chase bought of parties in Providence all their 
interest in the property of Benjamin Chase of Holmes Hole. 
This proves that soon after the will was made Benjamin 
died without a male heir, leaving Timothy the only son in 
direct line of two Abraham Chases. 

In May, 1789, the Judge of Probate appointed Ebenezer 
Norton and Ebenezer Smith of Edgartown and Ebenezer 
Allen of Tisbury to divide the lands of Abraham Chase, Jr., 
deceased, which were improved by his widow, Deliverance, 
now deceased, — the heirs being one son and five daughters. 

The portion of land on which the dwelling stood was of 
course given to Timothy who was a miller; the mill stood on 
the hill back of his house. He served in the war of the Revo- 
lution as Lieutenant of Militia. Some years later his son 
Timothy exchanged this property with Tristranr Luce for 
a farm at North Tisbury which is now occupied by his 
grandson. Tristram Luce's son Tristram sold the property 
to R. W. Crocker. 

Beachside, owned by Isaac and Joseph Chase, was built 
in 1802 by Squire Thomas Dunham, who for many years 
was master of a merchantman in the foreign trade. 

At one time the house was kept as a tavern; from a post 
swung a sign upon which the rising sun was painted. This 
tavern was frequented mostly by sea-faring men and a store 
on the south side of the house was attended by his attractive 
daughter Sally. Squire Dunham was prominent in town 
affairs and held several town offices, one of which was town 
clerk. It is said that at one time he decided to have a 
clearing out and cleaning up of the accumulation of papers, 
and many of the old town records were destroyed. 

He was a pilot also and during the war of 1812, he unwill- 
ingly climbed out of bed to pilot some English vessel over 
the shoals. 



He married three times: the first wife was Polly Holmes, 
the second, Deborah Norton of Edgartown, and the third, 
Pauline Hodgdon of Maine, who survived him. After her 
death, Beachside became the property of Thomas Dunham 
of New York, a son by the second wife, and a prosperous 
ship-merchant who owned at one time more ships than any 
other New York merchant. 

He expended $10,000 on the property and made it his 
summer home. At the death of his widow, it was willed to 
Mrs. Fish and Mrs, Lewin, her sisters, who sold it at auction; 
and Mrs. Joseph Chase, the granddaughter of Squire Dun- 
ham, became the purchaser. 

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Lord, the next home 
adjoining, formerly stood a little north of the Gould house 
at the Neck. It was moved to the village on wheels and 
drawn by 40 yoke of oxen. Barzilla Luce had the contract 
and farmers from all over the Island came to assist. This 
house was the property of Mr. Lothrop Merry, the grand- 
father of Mrs. Lord, and has always remained in the family. 

The next house, moved to Bayside, was built between the 
years 1801 and 1806, by Benjamin Allen. His daughter 
married Richard Luce, -^ "Captain Dick" as he was called. 
Mrs. Luce was very aristocratic in her feelings and con- 
sidered it quite a condescension on her part to marry him 
and would refer to it in this way: — "Me, an Allen, marry- 
ing the son of a woodchopper;" but he was an honest, up- 
right man and respected in the community. 

Benjamin Allen was a rank Tory and would assist the 
British whenever he could. Years ago, Polly Daggett told 
a story of an English frigate from which two men deserted 
and, as was the law, a reward was offered for their capture, 
— though the officers did not desire it. Benjamin Allen 
captured one poor fellow and when he was taken, handcuffed, 
on board the frigate, the officer on deck in not very polite 
language asked why he had brought him. "Don't you know 

5 



he will be shot?" "You ought to be shot yourself." When 
Allen referred to the reward, the officer picked up a rusty 
sword and handed it to him saying, — "Here take this and 
get out." The other deserter was found by Samuel Look 
and carried to the mainland, to freedom. 

Captain Dick, the husband of Benjamin Allen's daughter, 
was at one time "Boy Constable." He carried a cane with 
a crook and would hook the boys around the neck and take 
them to his smoke house. Of course this made him unpopu- 
lar with the young, though he was really a kindly man. 

The next owner was Abijah Gill, who resided here several 
years, and he sold to the Rev. W. C. Hicks; and the house 
afterward became the property of Mr. Owen. 

Rudder Grange now stands at Bayside. It was one of 
the old houses of the village and stood on the Owen tract 
below Main Street. It has been so remodeled and rebuilt 
there isn't a vestige of the old house left. It was originally 
built and occupied by John Hursell. 

I remember it as the home of Thomas Robinson who came 
here from Falmouth and was a shoemaker by trade. There 
were many tenants after his decease until it became the 
home of Mrs. Christahne Johnson. 

The houses on this side hill have an unbroken view of the 
harbor which in the old days meant much to their owners 
whose entire life was a part of this stretch of water. 

Next in order comes the house of Mr. Alphonso Smith of 
New Bedford, the great grandson of the original owner. It 
was built by Captain Thomas Harlock Smith, a successful 
sea captain. At one time he kept a store of vessel supplies 
below his house. He was a son of David Smith, who was 
on the sea coast defence at the time of the Revolutionary 
War, and whose second wife was Maria Allen, the Revolu- 
tionary heroine. 

A story is told of a brother of Thomas Smith, whose boat 
was chased into the harbor during the war of 1812 by a 

6 



Britisher, and when the wife heard of it she said to a Uttle 
girl, "Here, Sally, hold this baby while I watch those devils 
cannonade Nathan." 

This house has always remained in the family. 

The house known to many as the Dias place on Main 
Street, now owned by Captain Hartson H. Bodfish, was one 
of the first built in the village and is consequently quite old. 
In a deed in possession of the family, dated May 20th, 1741, 
this house was deeded to Abraham Chase by Sarah Daggett. 
The place is spoken of as "ye house lot," and the house lot's 
limits were Holmes Hole harbor on the east and Tashmoo 
on the west, — and the inference drawn is that the house 
was built by the Daggetts between the years 1725 and 1741. 

On March 29th, 1741, Abraham Chase deeded the house 
to John Whelden, a sea-faring man and the sum paid for the 
house and lot in both deeds was said to be 330 pounds current 
money. Abigail, wife of John Whelden, was the daughter 
of Abraham Chase. 

In 1795 the property passed into the hands of Thomas 
Whelden, doubtless his son. The next owner was Captain 
Joseph Dias, who fought in the war of 1812, and it has since 
remained in the family, — Mrs. Bodfish being a grand- 
daughter. 

The house now occupied by Miss Loretta Daggett was 
built by Captain Thomas Manter, her grandfather. He 
was the son of Jonathan Manter, a Revolutionary soldier, 
and married Hannah Luce. 

In 1820, while on the pilot boat Superior, she capsized, 
and Thomas Manter was drowned. The property has al- 
ways remained in the family. The age is not known but 
the deed of the land was made in 1802 and it is natural to 
suppose that the house was built soon after. 

In the next house lived his sister Parnel, daughter of 
Jonathan Manter and sister of Parnel, the Revolutionary 
heroine, born after her death and named for her. This 

7 



Parnel married Captain Alexander Newcomb; they had sev- 
eral children and Caroline married Captain Frederick Lam- 
bert, who resided there and it still belongs to that family. 

The Captain Jonathan Manter before alluded to, the 
grandfather of Miss Daggett, was a shipmaster sailing from 
Boston. He was a man of great energy of character, of fme 
appearance and very fastidious in his dress, and indeed so 
particular was he in this respect that he was commonly 
known among his acquaintances around Boston as "Count 
Manter." 

The last Jonathan Manter, who died about 1842, was a 
man of strong will and from his eccentricities of character 
he seemed to have made strong impressions on the minds 
of all who knew him. Even the names of his dogs and horses 
are well remembered. More than one hundred years ago 
there were but two horses owned around the harbor. Their 
names were Romeo and Cape Breton, and Captain Manter 
owned Romeo. The first cooking stove used in this place 
or on the island was purchased by Captain Manter and 
brought over in the vessel he owned and commanded, called 
the Harmony. 

Captain Manter owned most of the land from the harbor 
to Tashmoo and the old Manter house which was destroyed 
in the fire of 1883, was one of the old landmarks of the village 
and especially so of Manter Hill, — it being the first one 
erected on the hill. It was near this house the famous 
liberty pole stood when destroyed by the three young girls 
in 1775. 

The house above Captain Newcomb's, on Main Street, 
was built for his mother and after her death, became the 
property of Captain Nathan Smith, who exchanged it for 
the house now owned and occupied by Postmaster S. C. Luce. 

The next owner was Mary, widow of Captain William 
Crowell. Capt. Crowell died at sea. Mrs. Crowell long 
kept a little store in one front room. Her son, Barzilla, was 

8 



a veteran of the Civil War, a member of the famous 20th 
Massachusetts Infantry, — and lost a leg in battle. The 
house passed to him and after his death it was purchased by 
Capt. William M. Randall, whose widow is now the owner. 

The house owned by Mrs. Oliver is the third of the first 
seven houses built, the two already mentioned being those 
of R. W. Crocker and H. H. Bodfish. It was built by Jona- 
than Manter more than two hundred years ago. He was a 
large landowner and leading man. He had a large family 
of children and gave each a house lot. His daughter, Re- 
becca, being single at his death, was given the old home- 
stead. She was exceedingly plain looking, I am informed, 
having four lips; but Deacon William Downs, a widower 
was attracted perhaps not by her face but by her fortune 
and won Rebecca for a wife. Here he kept a grocery store. 

Mrs. Love Chase was the next owner. It was afterward 
sold to my father and after the fire of 1883, was sold by my 
mother to Capt. Oliver. There have been additions and 
improvements to this house; the writer has an affection for 
this old place where her girlhood days were passed. 

I am reminded of hearing of a little shop near this spot, 
the home of Jennie Godfrey. Jennie was a spinster and was 
held in high esteem by the youth of the village from the fact 
that she sold big glasses of spruce beer at one cent each. 
She seldom went away from the island but on one occasion, 
before the days of steamboats and decked packets, took a 
trip to New Bedford. On her return she embarked early in 
the morning in an open boat. The wind died out to a calm 
and continued so all day, and the men in charge were com- 
pelled to row all the way home under a broiling sun, arriving 
late at night. Jennie had a mortal terror of marine disasters 
but always referred to this trip as a most enjoyable one. 
Ever since, long passages because of calms have been char- 
acterized as "Jennie Godfrey times." 

9 



The house now occupied by Edward J. Smith on Union 
Street, was built by Samuel Daggett, whose son was a fifer 
in the militia during the Revolutionary War. It was after- 
ward sold to Dr. Silas West, who could be seen every morn- 
ing mounting his horse with saddlebags, galloping away to 
visit his patients. The next owner was Capt. Charles G. 
Smith whose son now occupies it. I have not ascertained 
the age of this house, but it is without doubt, over one hun- 
dred years old. 

Next to this house, south, stands that of Mrs. Edward 
Roth. It was built by Capt. Peter West, who married Mary 
Chase. One day he sailed into the harbor and that evening 
the marriage took place. The next day the wind was fair 
and he was obliged to continue his trip. As he stood on the 
deck, he drew a quarter of a dollar from his pocket and 
tossed it overboard, saying, "I have married the best and 
handsomest girl in the world and am master of this vessel; 
I cast my last bit of money overboard and begin life anew." 
He prospered ever after. 

During the French Revolution many of the nobility at- 
tempted to escape with all their belongings; their household 
goods were put on vessels sailing for America, they intending 
to take passage, but were arrested before they could escape. 
Captain West brought one load of this kind, — maybe more 
than one — and made a rich thing of the transaction. 

He was the owner of turtle-like sheds of saltworks that 
lined the beach below his house. He was the grandson of 
Major Peter West who fought in the French and Indian 
wars, and was a prominent man in town. After his death 
the house was occupied by members of his family, after 
which Ebenezer Smith, 3rd, became the owner; then Mr. 
Richard Beetle; and it was inherited by Mrs. Roth. 

The Great House is one of the first houses of the village. 
Abraham Chase built it over 160 years ago as in his will, 
in 1760, he speaks of his homestead. Abraham was the son 

10 



of Lieutenant Isaac Chase and great grandson of Sir Robert 
Chase of England. Lieutenant Isaac Chase served in the 
Royal Navy. 

The Chases once owned the whole of Holmes Hole. The 
cemetery at the Crossway was their private burying ground 
and was later given to the village of Holmes Hole. 

Abraham was twice married, first to Mary Barnard and 
second to Mercy Nickerson. After his death Mercy mar- 
ried Thomas Winston. 

The harbor used to reach nearly to the front door of this 
house. There was only a strip of beach between. 

A little story was told me that after the property passed 
into other hands, a party was given in the Great House. 
An Indian fiddler having partaken too freely of the flowing 
bowl, kissed Violet, a servant, which so enraged the fiddler's 
wife that she snatched the fiddle from his hands and smashed 
it over the balustrade in the hall and then herself dropped 
dead. 

I have seen a deed given by Thomas Winston in 1777 to 
Elijah Smith, then it was deeded to his son William and 
then passed to his sons Elijah and George, the latter the 
father of Miss Thankful Smith. It was later sold to Capt. 
Charles Smith, and still later came into the possession of 
Miss Loretta Daggett, who sold it to Mr. Frank Tilton, the 
present owner. 

This house must have been considered a fine one by the 
appellation attached to it. 

The house now owned by Capt. Benjamin Cromwell was 
built in 1812, by Joseph Hammett, whose wife was the 
daughter of Dr. Rufus Spaulding. 

When war was declared with England, fearing to remain 
in the track of war-vessels, they moved to Mattapoisett and 
Mr. Elijah Hillman bought it. His son Thomas was the 
next owner of the house and Captain Cromwell purchased 
of the heirs. 

11 



The house now owned by Benjamin Norton was built by 
Samuel Claghorn. His son Joseph kept a tavern, the sign 
of which hangs in the D. A. R. Historical Building. This 
sign with its old style lettering and its beer mugs and tunnel 
painted thereon with the date 1792, is a very interesting 
relic of bygone days. 

Joseph married a daughter of Doctor Spaulding. During 
the war of 1812, they moved to Savannah, Ga. 

There were several tenants after this. Parmenus Parsons 
was one. He was postmaster for many years; the postoffice 
was in the ell of the house and letters were placed in the 
window. Letter writing in those days was not carried on to 
any great extent, and I learn that a mail once a week was 
all the government granted here. 

As late as 1830, there was no wharf and passengers landed 
from a packet on the beach. I am told that the first store 
was on these premises. Deacon Solomon Athearn purchased 
the house in 1832. The next owner was Deacon Holmes 
Athearn, his son. 

In looking over the history of the Methodist Church, I 
find that the Rev. Joseph Snelling visited Holmes Hole in 
1798-9; and in giving a history of his work on the Vineyard, 
he alluded to what was called a housewarming, that is: when 
a house was built, the owner on moving into it, gave a ball. 
He speaks of preaching in this house at the time appointed 
for the ball, to a crowded assembly; the ball was given up 
and a reformation followed. 

The house now owned by Mrs. G. D. Calhoun was built 
in 1801 by Capt. Seth Daggett, her father. He was a pilot 
and was often pressed into the service of piloting British 
frigates over the shoals. One night he heard them coming, 
and springing out of bed he seized some clothing and rushed 
for the woods. Imagine his consternation when he found 
he had taken his wife's clothing instead of his own. 

12 



Across the street stands the house of Mrs. Lucy Cooper. 
It was owned by Elisha Luce in 1812. His wife. Miss Heppy, 
as she was called, kept a little store. It then became the 
property of Edward Luce; then Benjamin Nye purchased it, 
and it is now the home of his daughter. 

Some years ago a college student was home on a visit; he 
was in those days a fastidious youth, always carrying a cane. 
As he was passing by this house one day he discovered it to 
be on fire. He very deliberately walked around to the 
front door and lifting his cane gave three taps upon the 
door. Presently the mistress of the house appeared, when 
in a low courteous manner he informed her that her house 
was on fire. It was not recorded that she screamed and ran, 
nor that the aforesaid youth aided in putting out the fire. 
Your imagination can finish the story. 

The house now owned by Mrs. Clement Cleveland on this 
street, was built by Shubael Dunham, and then was pur- 
chased by Capt. Grafton Luce. 

I was told that Captain Luce in his young days was fine 
looking and a beau among the girls. He was engaged to 
one of the village daughters who, expecting to be married 
on his return voyage, made all her preparations; but when 
he came he met a village beauty, Rhoda Daggett, and mar- 
ried her. The rejected maiden was crushed, but was roused 
to deliver a curse on him and his family, and then pined 
away and died. In the strange way that things happen, 
misfortune seemed to follow him and his to a great degree. 

A little shop was attached to this house, where Mr. Ar- 
chibald Mellen of Edgartown kept a store. This was after- 
ward moved to the corner of the yard and occupied by Mrs. 
Eunice Crowell. Later it was moved on to the beach and 
is now owned by Geo. H. Swain. 

Capt. William Buckley purchased the house of Capt. 
Luce's widow, and Mrs. Cleveland is his daughter. 

13 



The house next in order on Beach Street, — once called 
Quality Street, — known as the Trueman Allen house, was 
the home of Obed Coffin in 1812, — "Quaker Coffin" as he 
was called. He was a boat builder by trade and had a shop 
by the Bass Creek. Near the shop was a float, which re- 
minds me of an incident. This float was a joy and delight 
to the children. One neighbor dressed her daughter in a 
freshly starched gown and told her not to go near the float, 
but needless to say she straightway wended her foot-steps 
to this fascinating place. The mother suspected what 
would happen and followed very soon. Coming quietly 
behind her, she took little Eliza by the arm and doused her 
under the water, — good clothes and all, and the little girl's 
afternoon was spoiled. The children who were present 
never forgot the wholesome, if severe, punishment. 

Mr. Coffin's wife, Pheobe, was a good soul who had a 
garden of roses. Mixed in with the roses were tansy, worm- 
wood, sage, savory, comfry-root and eives. 

She was most generous with her roses, giving them to 
children, — some of whom remember her kindness and 
generosity. 

Bartlett Allen was the next owner. Then his son, Tru- 
man, was the possesser of the house. It is now owned by 
Mrs. Look of the Mansion House. 

On the opposite side of the street stands the Branscomb 
house, so-called. It was built by Jireh Luce, and Doctor 
Rufus Spaulding was the next owner. He was a man of 
high standing and the Spauldings were considered among 
the aristocracy. His children married well and stood high 
in whatever community they lived. His daughter, Sophro- 
nia, married Thomas West who owned the house after Doc- 
tor Spaulding died. 

I was told that when the Thomas Wests came into the 
old church, (the first in the village) with its square pews and 
sounding board, every eye was turned, — Mrs. West rust- 

14 



ling in her fine gown and Mr. West holding high his head, 
as they proceeded up the aisle of the quaint old edifice of 
long ago. 

Mr. Oric P. Branscomb was the next owner and it is now 
owned by Capt. Gilbert Smith. 

The house now owned by Mrs. Lord and Miss Clara 
Smith, was formerly owned by James Cleveland and then 
by Capt. Matthew Luce, who was the son of Lot Luce, one 
of the substantial men of the town. 

This house is more than one hundred years old; though 
not one of the very old houses, it shows its age in its wide 
fireplaces and winding staircase. It remained in this family 
until it came into the possession of the late Mrs. Grafton 
L. Daggett. 

A short distance above on the same street, is the dwelling 
occupied by Mrs. Johnson and owned by Geo. H. Swain. 
It was built by Abraham, son of Zephaniah Chase. Capt. 
Lot Luce bought it and gave it to his son Matthew. Cap- 
tain Luce had built the house afterward owned by Capt. 
Henry P. Worth. 

Matthew married Cynthia, daughter of Malachi Baxter 
who fought at Bunker Hill. Matthew's daughter, Polly, 
became the possessor, and then her son George. Mr. Swain 
has in his possession a pitcher that Capt. Lot Luce, his 
grandfather had made on a voyage to England, with the 
picture of his ship "Sarah" upon it. 

The next house above, owned by the Conroys, is an old 
one. A deed was given by Heman Merry in 1800 to Ben- 
jamin Reynolds; how much earlier the house was built, I 
am unable to ascertain. 

Benjamin Reynolds came here from Sippican, now Matta- 
poisett, and owned a httle schooner, "Dehght" of 20 tons. 
He was called "Daddy" Reynolds and I think his son Ben- 
jamin carried the same title in his day. 

15 



Captain Reynolds was a pilot and once carried the war 
vessel "St. Louis" over the shoals. His daughter, Sophro- 
nia, became the owner of the house. She was married twice, 
— first to Henry Buckley, and then to Simeon Parker of 
Maine. On clearing the house after her death, the following 
clipping was taken from an old newspaper; though not en- 
tirely local, it proves the similarity of communities at that 
time. 
June 1, 1800. Had company in the evening. Married a 
couple, fee $1.35. 
Had a cheese given me, value $1.00. 
Deacon Ware, a present of beef, value 
about $0.20. 
January 4th, Attended to study. Bottle rum, $0.50. 
January 23rd, Married three couples, fee $6.25. 
February 4th, Paid a woman tailor for one day, $0.25. 
July 3rd, Bottle rum at Bardwell's store, $0.50. 

August 12th, 2 quarts rum at Wilham's store, $1.50. 

Paid for kilHng hog, $0.17. 
October 10th, Put into my cellar for winter use thirty 

barrels of cider, value $32.00. 
December 29th, Lord's day. Preached from 2nd Samuel, 
1-27 — "How are the mighty fallen." 
Frank Reynolds was the next owner of this house and he 
sold to the Conroys. 

The large old-fashioned dwelling just above the Conroy 
house on this street was owned by "Colonel Dexter" as he 
was called, who was a blacksmith. His grandson, Hiram, 
he of "Palace Car" fame, whom some of us will recall along 
in the 1870's, became the owner of the property and his son, 
Jonathan, now owns it. 

Next above, was owned by "Colonel Dexter's" son, 
Joseph, who married Charlotte, daughter of Malachi Baxter, 
before referred to. Joseph was a sea-faring man and died 
at sea. The house is now owned by Mrs. Sarah Legg. 

16 



The house owned by Luther P. West, further up the street, 
was moved from North Tisbury previous to 1821. Elijah 
Luce was the owner and sold to Warren Cleveland, who mar- 
ried his daughter, Lucretia, whose family resided there many 
years. Henry Swift was the next owner, who sold to Geo. 
Swain and he to Luther West, the present owner. 

The house now owned by George Pierce on Spring Street, 
was built by Timothy Merry and when the house was erected, 
it was considered quite out-of-town, as it stood by itself, far 
from any other dwelling. 

Elisha Dexter married Mr. Merry's daughter Eliza. Oh! 
what delicious ice cream and cocoanut cakes were sold by 
the Dexters to us girls. 

Benjamin Merry next owned the house; then his son 
George, who sold to Mrs. Clark. 

The house now owned by Charles S. Norton and known 
as the Richardson house, was built about two hundred years 
ago at Lamberts Cove and floated down to this village on a 
raft about one hundred years ago. 

At one time a school was held in this house, and during 
its history two families have kept house at the same time, — 
both using the open fireplace for cooking. The house used 
to stand nearer Main Street and William Weeks, a bhnd 
man, owned it then. Mrs. Richardson purchased it of Tris- 
tram Luce and in 1882 it was moved back, the roof changed 
and a piazza added. 

On the opposite side of the street is the house now owned 
by the heirs of Mrs. S. P. Lee. This house was also moved 
from Lamberts Cove, and its low quaintness tells its age. 

In 1821 it was owned by Dr. Silas West who about that 
time sold it to Elijah Smith, then it became the property of 
Mrs. Sophronia Wade, his daughter, of whom we all think 
with deep affection and pleasant memories. 

Colonel S. P. Lee, a civil war veteran with a proud record, 
was the next owner. He made some additions but the house 

17 



retains its quaint appearance and is a pleasant summer 
home. 

The old Owen homestead across the way was built in 
1805 by Edmund Crowell, who was a tailor by trade. He 
married Deliverance — or Dilly as she was called — daugh- 
ter of Lieut. Timothy Chase of the Revolutionary War. 

Mr. Crowell had a shop in the corner of his yard which is 
now an ell to the house. In the parlor of the house, the 
wainscoting and cornice is quite elaborate and it is said the 
work was done with a jack knife, but the most interesting 
feature of the room is a painting done on the wood panel 
over the mantelpiece. It was the work of Miss Jane Norton 
when the house was just finished; Miss Norton taught school 
in the village but belonged in North Tisbury. The picture 
represents a village street with a field in the foreground; a 
row of houses three stories high, with a chimney at each end, 
face us; and men in knee breeches and women on old style 
dress appear. 

A coach has dashed up to the Inn, which we know by the 
sign hanging from a nearby tree; and carts of hay and a dog 
are seen. The coloring is extremely dark and it is not a 
work of art but is most curious and interesting. This house 
has always remained in the family. 

The Mayhew Schoolhouse was erected about one hundred 
years ago by Mr. Nathan Mayhew, for school purposes; but 
it was often used for religious purposes and many call it 
"The Chapel" to this day. It had a belfry with a large 
triangle which answered for a bell. It was used for singing 
school. Mr. Henry P. Worth taught a singing class accom- 
panied by his bass viol. 

If we but knew, there was many a romance begun and 
ended here; for what better place for the youth and maiden 
to meet? — and the going home after singing school gave 
opportunity for delightful conversation and solemn promises. 

18 



It was used for a carpenter shop by Mr. Richard Hiirsell 
and later by Mr. Moses Vincent; then by Renear & Hinckley 
who sold to the Sea Coast Defence Chapter, D. A. R., for its 
historical room. 

In the next house is the home of Mr. and Mrs. Shubael 
Vincent. A part of this dweUing was moved from a lot 
where now stands the home of Mrs. Mary Beetle. This 
part was the home of Malachi and Rhoda Baxter; a while 
after his return from the Revolutionary War, he suddenly 
disappeared for parts unknown and was gone thirty years. 
After these long years of absence, a Vineyard man cruising 
along the shores of Cape Cod in his boat, saw Malachi Bax- 
ter and hailed him; and although he tried to escape recogni- 
tion, he gave it up and acknowledged his identity. After 
some talk he agreed to go home with him, and great was the 
rejoicing on his return; his family welcomed him gladly and 
no reason was given publicly for his long absence. 

The house was moved long afterward to this spot and 
added to the house of his daughter, Mrs. Betsy Baxter But- 
ler, who was Mrs. Vincent's grandmother. 

The house at the Crossways now owned by Benjamin 
Cromwell, was originally the property of Peter West. Hie 
bought the land in 1743 of Thomas West, a relation. Peter 
West's widow lived there many years. 

In 1791 the property was sold by George West, presuma- 
bly the son of Peter and Elizabeth, to Jedidah Coffin, whose 
daughter married Moses Cromwell, the grandfather of the 
present owner. 

Peter West who built the house, lost his life in the French 
and Indian War. He was Captain of a band of forty men 
who left here, September, 1759, in a sloop for Falmouth; 
then they marched to Boston and from there took a vessel 
to Eastport, Maine. From that point they marched to 
their destination. Not one lived to return. 

19 



On the day of Captain West's death he was acting major. 
It is said he fought under General Wolfe on the Plains of 
Abraham. He was a man of fine personal appearance, of 
high moral character, active, inteUigent and an accom- 
plished officer. 

The house known as the Hebron Crowell house was bought 
by him of West Luce in 1825. Thi^ house was built by 
Elisha West, a brother of Peter; doubtless both the brothers 
built their homes about the same year, 1743, over 160 years 
ago. The property is now owned by Charles H. Brown. 

The first meeting house in the village was built about the 
year 1788. It was located where the Baptist Church that 
was burned in 1883, stood. It was a very long building 
without paint, and was called the "Proprietors' Meeting 
House." It was sometimes occupied by Congregationalists, 
Methodists, Baptists, Universalists, — or any other "ists" 
the proprietors agreed upon, — and here the Methodists 
worshipped until the early part of the year 1832. 

The interior of this church was fashioned after the style 
of the old churches of Boston with the high pulpit, sounding 
board, square pews and gallery running round three sides of 
the building. 

The Methodists erected the building which is now the 
Masonic Hall and it was completed in 1833. The entrance 
to the building was on the east, — ascending a flight of steps, 
you entered doors at either end of the edifice. Over the 
doors and windows were placed fan-like blinds which so 
distressed Mrs. Cynthia Chase that she saw strange sights. 
She said, "They were httle hypocrites and saw little black 
devils dancing over there every night, — and it was wicked 
and sinful to ornament God's house in such a manner." 
But her protests were unheeded and the work proceeded. 
The fittings inside were more modern; a reading desk cov- 
ered with green baize and trimmed with fringe stood on a 

20 



raised platform; the gallery was placed across the east end; 
the pews were similar to those of the present day. 

The entrance to the vestry where the prayer meeting and 
Sunday Schools were held, was on the south side. 

At the dedication on July 11th, 1833, Rev. Daniel Fillmore 
of New Bedford preached the sermon. The choir was under 
the leadership of Mr. Henry P. Worth. There was no mu- 
sical instrument at that time, a tuning fork being used to 
get the pitch, but a few years later the melodeon now in 
the possession of Sea Coast Defence Chapter, was purchased. 

The choir consisted of the following persons: trebles, Mrs. 
Mary West, Mrs. Mary Crowell, Miss Cordelia Dunham, 
Miss Caroline Daggett and Miss Rebecca Crowell, — the 
last two being about twelve years old. 

Second treble: Miss Emmeline Merry, Miss Jane Cottle, 
and the Misses Mary and Sophronia Downs. Bass: Thomas 
Smith, Thomas Bradley, Abraham Anthony, Dr. Leroy M. 
Yale, John D. Barrows and Thomas Robinson. 

In 1848, the present Methodist Church was built and this 
building was sold to Capt. Charles Smith, who named it 
Capawock Hall. Here the churches held their festivals. 
They were delightful occasions where every kind of deli- 
cious cake was on sale on long tables trimmed with box. 
There were side tables of floating islands and blanc mange in 
tempting array. There also were held here coffee suppers, 
and dancing parties and numerous functions to gladden the 
heart of the young. 

Within a few years the building was purchased by the 
Lodge and remodeled, though some traces of the old archi- 
tecture can still be seen. The fan blinds still remain over 
the windows and are a delight to my eyes. Not one of the 
choir who sang at the dedication is now living. 

And so have all the owners and first occupants of these 
old homes and buildings, passed with the years. The houses 

21 



have been remodeled and retouched till they are fading out 
of the quaint, old-fashioned picture. 

But there is always an atmosphere of oldness that lingers 
in some fireplace about some cleverly carved mantel or 
about the beams in the low ceiling. There seems to be 
something lingering about the touch of the past, and its 
grasp is not cold and saddening, but warm and vital and 
keenly real in its memories. 



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